"Juvenile" refers to the type of polyp (hamartomatous, usually limited to the colon), not the patient age

Solitary juvenile polyps have minimal malignant potential

Terminology

Inflammatory / retention polyp

Juvenile polyposis syndrome: 5 or more juvenile polyps in the colorectum, juvenile polyps throughout the gastrointestinal tract or any number of juvenile polyps and a positive family history of juvenile polyposis

These become inflamed, frequently with ulceration and scarring of their surface, sealing over some of the crypts, with subsequent cystic dilatation of the crypts, accumulation of mucus within the cysts, enlargement of the structure to form a typical juvenile polyp and further inflammation and scarring

Many of these polyps simply outgrow their blood supply, become ischemic and autoamputate

For solitory juvenile polyp:

Colonoscopy / sigmoidoscopy and polypectomy

For juvenile polyposis syndrome:

Follow up: recommended every two to three years in patients with juvenile polyposis syndrome

Surgery: considered in patients with colorectal polyposis unmanageable by endoscopy (> 50 - 100 polyps), those with severe gastrointestinal bleeding or diarrhea, juvenile polyps with dysplasia and patients with a strong family history of colorectal cancer (Dis Colon Rectum 2005;48:49)

Polyps appear similar to sporadic solitary juvenile polyps, although syndromic polyps often have a frond-like growth pattern with less stroma, fewer dilated glands and more proliferative smaller glands

This website is intended for pathologists and laboratory personnel, who understand that medical information is imperfect and must be interpreted using reasonable medical judgment. Click here for patient related inquiries.